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[MichaelK]

I'll put this in the steam section, because most steam plants are stuck together with silver solder.
Most of the posts on this and other forums say to "pickle" the soldered joint. Some say to use a dilute acid, anything from lemon juice to dilute hydrocloric acid. Some say to use detergent.
I'm using "easy flow No2" as a flux, which I believe contains candmium, (cadminum??) (that heavy metal stuff) . I saw somewhere on the interweb that easyflow2 is being replaced with, I suspect, something that is not as dangerous to the enviroment.
The Question is, is it the cadmium that needs to be treated with acid?, or something else in the flux?
And what happens if you don't use acid? 
I've done both (lemon juice and detergent) The only difference that I can see is that the lemon juice (acid) cleans the joint quicker.
 Does anyone have any ideas, weather concrete facts or just years of experience?
Thank you
Mick

[Circlip]

It's the Silver Solder that contains Cadmium. NO problem , just don't breathe the fumes in, its inclusion far exceeds its disadvantages. For cleaning, dilute Battery acid (Sulphuric), quick and works wonders.

  Regards  Ian.

  And as a quick edit, DON'T be fooled into thinking Lead free Soft Solder is any good.

[sunworksco]

Cadmium based silver solder has a much better flow.
Just make sure you are working in a well ventilated area.
Also, take a look at the heated ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
These only require a mild solvent cleaner.
Regards,
Giovanni

[mrsgoggins]

I use about 1 tablespoon of citric acid crystals in say half a gallon of water but mix is not critical. Does the job, does not harm the hands or clothes and can be emptied down the drain. Home brew shops sell the crystals.
Good luck.

[firedup]

I use brick cleaner found it difficult to buy citric acid as it seems to be used in "cutting heroin"

[gondolier88]

I use brick cleaner found it difficult to buy citric acid as it seems to be used in "cutting heroin"

I've heard this is descretionary on the part of the shop, not law, so local shops in in certain towns may sell it.

If not, a bottle of cheap cola- cleans up a penny in a couple of days and is a lot cheaper than any special acid...and after what you didnt use as an acid you can drink

Greg

[MichaelK]

Thank you folks,
I think I will stay with citric acid. (Lemon juice)
Cheap when lemons are in season (FREE) , and cheap out of season(bottled lemon juice from the supermarket)
Disposable too!, and it seems to work!
Mick

[BarryM]

I bought my citric acid off Ebay without any problem.

Barry M

[HS93 (RIP)]

I also got some of ebay very recently. but they do have a site as well http://www.mistralni.co.uk/ they sell direct to public. I get all my IPA from them by the gallon, very fast delivery.

peter

[kiwimodeller]

I bought mine in powder form from the supermarket in the "Baking Essentials" area. Works fine. Cheers, Ian

[JJS]

Hi, I use anti calcium cleaners, for toilets, bathrooms as picking agent. It contains usually aceitic acid, works fine, and smells nice 

JJS